Fresno State to honor memory of alumna in Las Vegas tragedy

Fresno State to honor memory of alumna in Las Vegas tragedy

(UPDATE Oct. 4:A moment of silence in memory of Kelsey Meadows and the other 58 victims will be held at about 6:15 p.m. during the Gandhi Stop the Hate, Stop the Violence Candlelight Vigil that will be from 6-8 p.m. in the Peace Garden by the Madden Library: bit.ly/FSN-MomentSilenceVegas)

(October 3, 2017) — Kelsey Meadows, a Fresno State alumna who was one of 59 people killed in the Las Vegas shooting Oct. 1, is remembered as “a gifted teacher who demonstrated a skill and passion for her chosen profession,” said history professor Dr. Lori Clune.

The Las Vegas Police Department on Tuesday released the names of those killed by a shooter located in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Sunday night. Among the victims was Ms. Meadows, who was a substitute teacher for Taft High School, east of Bakersfield.

Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro announced that Ms. Meadows’ memory will be honored with a flag tribute the day of her services, which has not yet been announced (the flags are presently posted at half-staff through sunset Oct. 6 as part of the national tribute). He issued this statement today:

“We have received the devastating news that Fresno State alumna Kelsey Meadows was one of the victims who lost her life as a result of the Las Vegas shooting Oct. 1. We are saddened by this tragic loss of such a promising young life. Kelsey was dedicated to serving others as a substitute teacher for Taft High School in her hometown in Kern County.

“On behalf of her alma mater, I extend my deepest condolences to Kelsey’s family, friends and colleagues as well as the faculty and staff she knew here at the University. Fresno State will honor her memory by posting our national and state flags at half-staff on the day of her services.”

At Fresno State, Ms. Meadows earned a B.A. in history in 2011. In 2013, she earned her social science single subject teaching credential.

Clune, who was Ms. Meadows’ adviser as she progressed through the teaching credential program and also taught two of her courses, said, “Although Kelsey was in a large class of 40 students, I distinctly remember her. She contributed thoughtfully to class discussions; wrote terrific, penetrating papers; and earned a well-deserved A.”

Clune added that Ms. Meadows “did a great job in her student teaching placements in Madera and Fresno, demonstrating a skill and passion for her chosen profession. “She contributed a great deal to our teaching methods class and completed her credential in 2013.

“I am devastated that such a wonderful student and gifted teacher died in this attack,” Clune said. “It is a tragic loss.”

Dr. Michelle Denbeste, dean of the College of Social Sciences at Fresno State who was chair of the History Department when Ms. Meadows was a student, provided this statement:

“The College of Social Sciences is devastated to learn about the tragic and untimely death of Kelsey Meadows. She is remembered by her teachers as an amazing individual who got along well with her peers, was always friendly and cheerful and was a good student. We care deeply for the success and well-being of our students, and we are heartbroken to learn one of our own was a victim of this tragedy. We will extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

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